Since opening to the public, the National Museum of the Marine Corps has quickly become a place for Marines to convene, share their experiences, celebrate their victories and honor their fallen. The Museum has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and has received rave reviews from Marines and civilians alike. Currently the Museum includes over 1,000 artifacts including tanks, aircraft, small arms, uniforms and over 1,800 photographs, letters and illustrations. Interactive and immersive experiences allow guests travel along the frozen TokTong pass in Korea amidst enemy troops, disembark a helicopter into the landing zone atop Hill 881 South in Vietnam and experience American history through the eyes of Marines.

Semper Fidelis Memorial Park overlooks the National Museum of the Marine Corps. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, dedicated to the service of all Marines. The Park, located on approximately three acres of high ground, is an important part of the Museum visitor’s experience. Interwoven paths cross and meet at significant rally points where monuments erected to honor various Marine Corps organizations, and those who served in them, provide places for visitors to pause and contemplate.

Commemorative bricks line portions of the paths throughout Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. Family members and friends may donate bricks engraved with the names of their loved ones to forever attest to the honor, courage and commitment that embody the Marine Corps. Donations made as part of this program will help the National Museum of the Marine Corps preserve Marine Corps history.

Pathways Project

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and its' selected construction firm, Anderson Company LLC, are expanding the Heritage Center campus with 1.07 miles of new trails within Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The new ADA compliant pathways provide additional access to Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, the southern section of the Old Kings Highway as well as Prince William County Park Authority’s Locust Shade Park. The pathways include placement of commemorative benches, a small foot bridge, over 28,000 memorial bricks and fourteen unit memorials. The new trails will open to the public this November.

Situated in the woods of Semper Fidelis Memorial Park, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is a nondenominational chapel that serves as a contemplative space where Marines and all visitors can remember the service and sacrifices of those who have served our nation. Dedicated October 22, 2009, with a ceremony including Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Marine Corps Commandant General James Conway, the chapel provides a special place for reflection, enhancing the visitor experience to the Marine Corps Heritage Center campus.

Designed by Denver-based Fentress Architects, architects of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the chapel’s structure evokes images of improvised field chapels familiar to all Marines.
Constructed using natural materials such as stone and timber, the chapel, with its glass walls, was built upon the concept of a “transparent chapel in the woods,” allowing visitors to remain connected to the surrounding nature. With seating for 77 and the ability to hold up to 140 people, the chapel is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is available for weddings, funerals and other ceremonies through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

An interactive children’s playground is the newest addition to the Marine Corps Heritage Center. With three levels of entertainment to swing, jump and climb, the new playground is already loved by families with children of all ages.